SuPer calls on the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and Valvira to provide guidance to wellbeing services counties on the criteria and suitability of communal housing for older people
SuPer has submitted a request to both the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and Valvira, urging them to provide guidance to wellbeing services counties on clarifying the client criteria for communal housing. According to SuPer, clarifying the criteria is also in the interest of supervisory authorities.
SuPer receives numerous inquiries from its members concerning communal housing for older people. The concerns particularly relate to client safety and the quality of services, as wellbeing services counties have reclassified older people’s 24-hour service housing as communal housing, regardless of the clients’ care needs. At the same time, the need for round-the-clock care in communal housing has been replaced by 24-hour home care visits.
SuPer emphasizes that clarifying the criteria for communal housing will also benefit supervisory authorities. According to the law, wellbeing services counties are obligated to provide older people with high-quality social and health services that are timely and sufficient in relation to their needs.Additionally, these services must be delivered in a way that supports the older person´s wellbeing, health, functional ability, independence, and participation.
In the current situation, it is unclear how client criteria are determined between home care, communal housing, and 24-hour service housing. This has led to unequal treatment of older people and inconsistencies in service quality both between and within wellbeing services counties.
– Quality and safety must be ensured in communal housing for older people. The current situation has also increased the ethical burden on nurses working in these care environments. That is why, as a union, we have requested guidance for wellbeing services counties on this matter, says SuPer’s President, Päivi Inberg.